Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace."

In his second term, Trump can achieve what has eluded his predecessors: enduring and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. This aspiration can be realized through three historic and positively impactful initiatives:

1. Neutralizing the Iranian Nuclear Threat: A decisive elimination of Iran’s threatening nuclear facilities is essential to prevent the radical and irrational leadership of the mullahs and Ayatollahs from jeopardizing global security with weapons of mass destruction.
2. Expanding the Abraham Accords: The finalization of a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, along with other progressive Muslim nations yearning for peace and prosperity for their populations and a brighter future for all.
3. Achieving the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plan: The conclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian 2020 Trump Peace Plan that addresses the longstanding conflict, permits Israel to annex the strategic Area C of the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley and establishes a limited two-state solution allowing Palestinians to live freely and with dignity while ensuring peace and security for Israel.

(Photo via https://pixabay.com/photos/dove-freedom-peace-trust-prayer-3426159/)

Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace

The TikTok Candidate

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The TikTok Candidate."

In short, Vice President Harris, who everyone thought was worse than even President Biden and had the lowest net negative ratings of any vice president in history, has now, six weeks later, magically been transformed into arguably a leading candidate for the next president of the United States.

Essentially, she is the TikTok candidate, where the entire purpose of her statements, apparently all scripted, is superficial and solely to generate "hits," buzz, and votes. In fact, her website is blatantly devoid of policy and only has a place for asking for donations. Thus, instead of policy aims for our country, we are given at best platitudes and smirky, sarcastic lines from followers like "it depends on the context."

As an electorate, we must demand more of our candidates than to be glamorous and look the part. Glitz without substance is worthless!

(AI generated image via Designer)

The TikTok Candidate

Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris".

Kamala Harris presents herself as someone who is evenhanded, but her actions raise a lot of questions that must be answered for the sake of the safety of the Jewish community.

In just the past few months, Harris has chastised Israel for defending itself, disrespected Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, normalized terrorism, and legitimized anti-Semitism.

Trump has voiced surprise at how any Jews could still vote for Kamala in 2024, one who favors pro-Hamas terrorists over their longtime ally and friend, Israel. I can tell you from my conversations with other Jewish people that, while many have been skeptical of the far right, they are becoming more concerned than ever about the radical left.

Note: Personal time, opinion, device, premises.

(AI generated image via Designer) 

Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris

U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons."

Last week was a devastating disappointment for me (and presumably for the vast majority of our country) when a 20-year-old, high school graduate attempted to assassinate the former (and likely future) president, Donald Trump. I was shocked not only by the obvious failures of today's Secret Service but even more so by the reaction of their leadership.

Aside from Trump who was almost assassinated, and the innocent civilians killed and wounded, and our heart and prayers go out to all of them, I cannot help but wonder what damage all this has done to the trust and respectability of our nation in the eyes of our allies and the fear and deterrence before the ongoing threats from our adversaries.

(AI generated image via Designer)

U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

It Comes Down to Leadership

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "It Comes Down to Leadership."

While surely all decent, patriotic American people want to see the United States continue as a beacon of freedom and leadership in the world, the problems this country is facing both internally and externally are wearing down our ability to cope with them. From our economy to our border and national security, from our universities to our urban centers, from radical wokeism to vile protests overcome with hate, racism, and violence, our nation is threatened perhaps like never before.

While there are many factors that contribute to our national success, certainly if we are going to be able to confront the challenges we face both at home and abroad, we must have strong and courageous leadership. Not only to unite us but also to evoke our very best, we need leadership that commands respect from both left and right, with a mighty and passionate vision that moves us not only to farseeing human progress but equally to moral righteousness. With this, we can instill pride in both who we are and where we are going and not be in fear of what’s threatening our streets or our shores anymore.

(AI generated Image via Craiyon)

It Comes Down to Leadership

Elon Musk, the Modern Day Noah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Elon Musk, the Modern Day Noah."

Fueled by an unwavering drive, Musk’s relentless work ethic borders on obsession. His signature near-trance states of contemplation are fueled by a desire to shatter paradigms and push boundaries, particularly in his endeavors with SpaceX. In this sense, Musk’s Starship can be seen as a modern-day Ark, carrying humanity to a new Earth – Mars – after the metaphorical floodwaters of destruction recede. His unwavering dedication and divine-like spirit echo Noah’s mission, driven to save us from the unimaginable.

(Adapted from AI Generated Image via https://www.craiyon.com/image/pN5XSYU8Teu0lEoAAiWLSA)

Elon Musk, the Modern Day Noah

Lessons in Life and Menschlichkeit

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Lessons in Life and Meschlichkeit."

From all the various people I've had a chance to meet, I have found that it's not how much of a big shot someone is, how smart they think they are, or how much money they have in the bank, but the humility and humanity of good, decent, hardworking people out there that often have the most important lessons of life to share.

(Credit Photo: makamuki0 via https://pixabay.com/photos/hairdressing-barbershop-barber-2142482/)

Lessons in Life and Menschlichkeit

Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless."

Actions may be bad, but most people aren't inherently bad, and no one deserves to be verbally, emotionally, or physically abused or treated by society with abject indifference. This is especially the case when it comes to helpless children, no one—whether parents, teachers, bullies, etc.—should be abusive to them. Children need safe, nurturing, and loving people and the environment around them that enable them to learn and grow to be the best people that they can be without being put down for mistakes they make, limitations they may have, or just being flawed human beings as we all are. Similarly, adults and workers should not be mistreated just because they are on your dime and can be. They have an inherent right to equality and to be treated with respect and dignity. There are no dumb questions or stupid mistakes when a person is trying their best.

 
(Credit Photo: RDNE Stock project via https://www.pexels.com/photo/scared-man-on-the-wooden-floor-6003316/)

Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless

Lets Save Israel Now

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Lets Save Israel Now."

After 17 weeks of virulent protests and plenty of animosity, one has to question whether the hateful politics surrounding judicial reform are bringing us ever closer to a dangerous breaking point. Certainly, all this heart-wrenching conflict of Jew against Jew is leading us down a terrible road of divisiveness, hate, and hurt for our people, country, and future. It is high time to change course and instead work together to solve our problems, mend differences, and unite in our faith as the proud children of the Maccabees against our common enemies.

(Credit Photo: Cottonbro Studio via https://www.pexels.com/photo/bearded-man-folding-the-flag-of-israel-4033953/)

Lets Save Israel Now

Lessons From Chabad in Humility This Passover

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Lessons From Chabad in Humility This Passover."

If we can remove the arrogance from our homes and hearts, then we can be better people: humble, selfless, giving, and standing side by side rather than sitting high and mighty, which only G-d Almighty deserves.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Lessons From Chabad in Humility This Passover

The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed." 

If we acknowledge that we are not willing to lose “our” Main Street, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, the nation’s capital, and more to get into devastating conflicts to liberally protect others (who often aren’t even paying their own fair share), then we can make better decisions about when we should actually “fight the good fight.”

Moreover, it’s not enough to just put up a show of some limited and hollow resistance; rather, when we do fight, it must be with our full determination to win. Unfortunately, too often we have gone in militarily with “shock and awe,” but turned abruptly tail in a politically wishy-washy “shame and retreat.” It’s high time to make U.S. deterrence mean something inescapably formidable once again.

(Source Photo via https://www.pexels.com/photo/soldiers-in-line-to-get-in-a-plane-54098/)

The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed

My Vote of Confidence in Bibi

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "My Vote of Confidence in Bibi."

Prime Minister Netanyahu stands out not only for having been the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel (winning six times) and leading for over fifteen years, but for his undying vision and execution of peace through strength. Certainly, I could write of his heroism as an Israeli commando (and that of his dear older brother Yoni, who tragically perished in the Rescue at Entebbe), his miraculous rescue of Israel's finances and remake of the country into a genuine economic success story, and his unflinching determination to prevent a Palestinian terror state next to Israel and to thwart the existential Iranian nuclear threat.

However, I think there is no better expression of Bibi's core love for his people and Israel than that of his own words in his countless genius arguments and eloquent speeches at the United Nations, Congress, and with world leaders in defense of Israel's legitimacy and right to exist and defend itself.

(Photo Adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Netanyahu#/media/File:Benjamin_Netanyahu,_February_2023.jpg)

My Vote of Confidence in Bibi

Leadership With Heart

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Leadership With Heart."

“Leadership with Heart“—you’ll see this as my byline for my Times of Israel blog, and which I also use daily under my signature line in my professional emails. To me, it represents my goal of becoming a leader and doing it with a “lev tahor” (pure heart), represented as much as possible to others through good thoughts, words, and deeds.

In terms of impact, I was pleasantly surprised recently when at least three different people came up to me after I did or said something, and they responded with something like, “Oh, I get it. That’s what ‘Leadership with Heart’ means in your tagline.” I can’t tell you how happy that made me to hear that. I wasn’t just saying it, but acting it, and others noticed it positively.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Leadership With Heart

It’s The Economy Stupid

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "It's The Economy Stupid."

It is incredible that our leaders, economic advisors, and near endless pundits didn’t see what was surely coming down the road in terms of an overheating economy, inflation, and a spiraling national debt now over $30 trillion and growing. Despite economic signals even visible to the layman, the Fed continued to promise to hold the interest rates near zero “for years” to come. The cheap money and free-wheeling government spending became an avalanche with almost no adult in the room willing to stand up and say, “Stop the money madness! Government handouts are not free!”

Aside from the recklessness with which our economy has been handled, let’s not forget that there is a proxy war going on between the superpowers in Ukraine for the last four months, including a frightening blockade on grain shipments (i.e. food terrorism) to tens of millions of people. Further toward the east, China is upping the ante vowing to “fight until the end” for sovereignty over Taiwan. And in the middle, Iran is dismantling the IAEA nuclear monitoring cameras, adding high-speed centrifuges, increasing uranium enrichment, and threatening Israel and the West. Let’s just say all is not copacetic in the world, while a congressional select committee continue to focus on what happened on January 6, 2021 with the U.S. Capitol riots.

People are not blind, deaf, and dumb to what’s going on with the childish gamesmanship, politics of hate, and plenty of recklessness that is driving much of the national debate and (in)action in the country. 

(Credit Photo: Blink O'fanaya; adapted from https://www.flickr.com/photos/blinkofanaye/14913895723/)

It’s The Economy Stupid

Dancing on the Head of a Pin

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Dancing on the Head of a Pin."

We’re all different, and we all have something to say and contribute to solve life’s challenges. While some of us may think that they are better than others, the reality is that we are all human, fallible, and subject to life’s circumstance and G-d’s mighty hand. However, too often, we let ego get in the way, and instead of taking on the huge, almost insurmountable challenges that we face, we end up fighting about who’s in charge and who gets the credit.

As we face the daunting challenges confronting America, Israel, and the world, we need effective “servant-leaders,” who are guided by a genuine moral compass and faith in G-d to take well-reasoned actions and not to punt the problems down the political road. Real leadership means leaving your ego at the door; it means self-sacrifice, compassion, creative thinking, and bold problem-solving. Big challenges can be dealt with, but we’ve got to have the right measure of ourselves, strength of character, and unity of purpose to finally overcome them.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dancing on the Head of a Pin

“Rock and Roll” With Chabad

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Rock and Roll With Chabad."

People are often blocked from moving forward by uncertainty, indecision, insecurity, self-doubt, hesitancy, worry, and fear, yet one man, such as Jacob, can stand up and move that big rock off the well if he just sets his mind to it and tries!

The bottom line is that when people say it can’t be done or to wait because it will take an entire village of shepherds to simply move the rock from the well, instead we can see that even one determined person can “rock and roll,” make a difference, and start to make something special and meaningful happen.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

“Rock and Roll” With Chabad

Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond."

While David Ben-Gurion was the politically savvy founding father of the modern-day State of Israel, Menachem Begin was the military genius who brought the Jewish people from British subjugation to being a free people in our own land.

In the end, the Jewish people’s fight for freedom from oppression and for an independent homeland, even the willingness to accept a partitioned land along with the desire for peace, required both the political fight that Ben-Gurion brought to the world’s governments as well as the military struggle that Begin was expert at against both the British overlords who refused autonomy under the mandate and to the Arabs who refused partition. Further, this underscores the stark contrast between the Jewish struggle and that of the Palestinians who have incessantly rejected negotiation and any opportunities for autonomy and peace, including at Oslo, Camp David, and Taba, as well as after Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 that was followed by Hamas’s terror tunnels, kidnappings, incendiary balloons attacks, and rocket barrages on Israel civilian population centers.

(Credit Photo: Israel Government)

Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond

The Worst Leadership

 

Way too many "leaders" like this: 

I must see where my people are going, so that I can lead them.

These are leaders that are much more followers than any sort of leaders.

Or worse yet are leaders that lead people in the wrong (bad) direction.

In fact, these leaders "sin," but also they cause others to sin as well. 

They are bad apples and serve as bad examples to others too! 

A good leader is a shining example and mentor and these people are gems to find! 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Worst Leadership

Where Have All The Heroes Gone?

Art imitates life. 

When we had heroes in the real world there were also superheroes on television, movies, video games, toys, and more. 

But alas leadership in our times has seriously fallen short.

Who is there to really look up to as a model for us to respect and follow? 

It seems like everywhere these days we are confronted by: 

- Failing leadership 

- Poor decision-making

- Party politics

- Obstructionism

- Finger-pointing

- Fraud, waste, and abuse

- Bullying and sexual harassment

- Bribery and kleptocracy

- Big time narcissism 

There are few if any heroes these days!

It's sad for us as well as for our children.

I hope we see Batman and Superman and other superheroes again: strong in the physical sense but primarily a symbol for strength of character/integrity and for the fight of good over evil in this world. 

The void is painful for our times and is going to impact our near term future as well.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Where Have All The Heroes Gone?

Going In Circles

One administration comes and another goes. 

The new executive orders and legislations reverse the old ones. 

- Keystone Pipeline

- Travel Ban from potential Terrorist Countries

- Paris Climate Accord

- Membership in World Health Organization

- Deregulation 

- Taxes

As a country, we are (borderline) bipolar!

And like a pendulum, we swing back and forth getting nowhere and driving the rest of the world crazy.

Can't we actually move forward without the perennial one step forward, one step back nauseating dance we keep doing. 

Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are moving forward and they are not waiting for us to figure out what we actually want and get our national act together to move decisively and definitively forward.  ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Going In Circles